NextEra to Replace Thousands of Wind Turbines

OAKLAND, Calif. — NextEra Energy Resources has agreed replace thousands of wind turbines in California’s Altamont Pass as part of a settlement with state lawmakers and environmental groups, according to the California attorney general’s office. The replacement aims to reduce the number of golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and other birds killed by the turbine blades.

NextEra operates approximately 2,400 wind towers in the Altamont Pass east of San Francisco, and will either install fewer, more advanced turbines or cease operating the older turbines by 2015. The company has also agreed to pay $2.5 million toward the restoration of the raptor’s habitat in the area.

The AG’s office brokered the agreement between the state, NextEra, the Audubon Society and Californians for Renewable Energy, according to reports. The agreement does not include other wind power companies operating in the Altamont Pass.

NextEra, which sells power to Pacific Gas & Electric Co., will be required to place the new turbines away from ridge tops and valleys, which are frequented by eagles and other large birds. Research conducted by Sacramento biologist Shawn Smallwood found that 9,300 birds die each year in the Altamont turbines.

The new turbines will be taller and spread farther apart with larger rotors to produce a comparable amount of power.

NextEra will wait for approval of the first phase of the replacement projects from regulators in early 2011. If approval is granted it will replace 200 wind towers with 59 new ones by the end of the year.